A new set of abortion guidelines for medical professionals in Northern Ireland have been published.

The report lays out what will happen in the “interim” period between 21 October, when abortion will be decriminalised if Stormont is not reconvened, and 31 March 2020, when regulations to introduce a very liberal legal framework for abortion have to be brought forward.

Liam Gibson, SPUC’s Northern Ireland political officer, said: “This guidance is truly appalling. It demonstrates just how ruthless the new abortion regime being imposed on Northern Ireland is likely to be.”

Bernadette Smyth, Director of Precious Life, also strongly condemned the guidelines: “This document is not about protecting life at all – it is about ending life. It is a document of death. This guidance is truly appalling. It is evidence of just how cruel and inhumane the new abortion regime being imposed on Northern Ireland will be if Stormont is not reconvened by October 22nd.”